John Fox: Peyton Manning's health 'will be even better' in 2013

By Will Brinson | NFL Writer

February 21, 2013 11:12 AM ET

INDIANAPOLIS -- This time last year, Peyton Manning wasn't even a member of the Denver Broncos. No one knew if he'd even be able to play football in 2012. He did play, and he played quite well, posting an MVP-caliber season.

Expectations should be high in 2013, too, and John Fox said at the 2013 NFL combine that he thinks Manning "will be even better health-wise" in 2013.

"His type of injury with the neck and the surgeries he had -- the reality is it's a nerve situation, and it takes time for nerves to grow," Fox said. "He's getting better every day."

Manning completed 68.6 percent of his passes last season, passed for 4,659 yards and threw 37 touchdowns. And he did that at the age of 36.

The idea that he could get better is a crazy notion, but it's very much a real one because of the nature of his injury.

And if Manning's health improves at the same rate that it did over the previous season, that's a terrifying prospect for opposing defenses.